WASHINGTON (WUSA9) - Each year, the country celebrates this national holiday with speeches, miniature flags, and beautiful renditions of the national anthem. But, where did this holiday come from? And why? Well, wonder no more.

In 1885, school teacher BJ Cigrand encouraged his students to observe June 14 as the 'Flag Birthday' in Waubeka, Wisconsin. Throughout the years, he sent several proposals to Congress to have the day recognized.

1889

Then, in 1889, George Bolch, a kindergarten teacher for impoverished students in New York, planned Flag Day exercises. Bolch inspired the New York Board of Education and his ceremonies were adopted thereafter.

1893

In 1893, the Superintendent of Philadelphia Public Schools endorsed a request to hold Flag Day ceremonies in the center of Independence Square. A year later, Philadelphia was followed by Chicago Public Schools.

1916

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established Flag Day as a national holiday in the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson. While Flag Day was celebrated for years after the proclamation, President Truman signed an Act of Congress in 1949 that designated June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.